4 year old with severe peanut/tree nut allergy - we are terrified about sending her to preschool!!

I was at mayo clinic for really bad headaches/migraines in 2009.
I was meeting with my allergist and asked some questions about my daughter's allergic reactions in the past.
They wanted to see her asap and tested her. She has severe peanut and tree nut allergy
and they said to stay away from coconut too.

Talk to the Pre-school Director on how they handle food allergies.Is there a nut free classroom? Have an Emergency Action Plan posted in your child's classroom with your child's picture on it. Whom to contact,phone #'s, Pediatricians name...Volunteer to be the Room Mom so you'll have an input at the class parties.Clearly identify your child. We have some great t-shirts that clearly get the message across www.AlertClothingCompany.com also make sure your child has a Medical Alert Bracelet.

Yes...My daughter will be 3 over the summer, and will be going in the fall to preschool 2 days a week for 2 1/2 hrs a day...Since Im a stay at home mom, I will be terrified ....Im not used to being without her so I will be scared with or without peanut allergy..I felt very safe with the school we decided for her..Its a catholic school, and the preK is in a whole separate building..The entire building goes nut free as soon as a student in the class has the allergy..When I went to visit, it was already nut free cause one student in there had an allergy...They had signs up, and the teacher was very knowledgeable about the allergy, and keeps the epipens right in her desk...She also explained how they are all trained to give the epipen..I also felt better that she is older and has been teaching for 25 yrs...Just make sure that you feel totally comfortable with where you decide..I visited another school, that said they know all about peanut allergy, but then they went on and said things that made me nervous, and I knew it wasnt the right school for her...

Hi There,
I am sorry about the diagnosis. I remember feeling really overwhelmed and scared to send him off to school. I agree with the other posters. You need to go visit a few preschools to see which one you trust. An other thing I still do for my son is have a "safe" snack bag in the class room. I also send in a couple of cupcakes in seperate containers with his name on them to be put in the freezer for birthday parties or holidays. My sons pre school had a list taped up on the wall in class room with his name and allergies clearly written out with the action plan. I know it is scary... My son is now in the 4th grade.
good luck

Yes we chose our preschool specifically because they seemed to be the most flexible and willing to work with us regarding my sons allergies (egg, soy, peanut)
You will have to do a lot of communicating, just accept that you'll need to be his advocate. It will be alright! :)

I appreciate this post as well. We have had the luck of having both of my daughter's daycares accommodating for her peanut allergy. I am now at a crossroads though, as I would love to send her to a montessori pre-school, and they are not willing to accommodate. It just feels defeating when her daily opportunities become so limited.